Safety push-button gas burner control system



Sept- 5, 1950 w. A. RAY 2,520,961

SAFETY PUSH BUTTON GAS BURNER CONTROL SYSTEM Filed lay .6, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 3 38 Zmventor En (lttorneg Sept. 5, 195o w. A. RAY 2,520,961

SAFETY PUSH BUTTON- GAS BURNER CONTROL SYSTEM Filed May 6, 1947 Snventor E MM fw attorney,

UNITED STATES PATENT GFTECE SAFETY PUSH-BUTTON GAS BURNER CONTROL SYSTEM William A. Ray, North Hollywood, Calif., assigner to General Controls Co., a corporation of California Application May 6, 1947, Serial No. 746,409

14 Claims. (Cl. 15S-1111.1)

which the main control valve can be operated,

and in which failure of the pilot flame will shut off all fuel to the main burner, as well as to the pilot burner.

It is another object of this invention to provide a system ensuring that, when the pressure of the gas fuel supply drops to a low value, the supply of fuel to the main burner is interrupted. This is important, since extremely low gas pressures are dangerous and, with some types of burners, can cause explosions.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objects which may be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of one embodiment of the invention. For this purpose there is shown a form in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specication. The form will now be described in detail, illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that this detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope o-f this invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Figure l is a diagram of a system embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of apparatus utilized in connection with the invention, and shown in inactive position;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary, sectional view similar to Fig. 2, but `Jvith the parts in an alternate position;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2. illustrating the system in active position: and

Fig. 5 is a sectional view, taken along plane 5 5 of Fig. 2, some of the elements being shown in partly diagrammatic fashion.

In the present instance, a main burner l is shown as supplied with gas fuel by the aid of a pipe or conduit 2. main burner l is controlled by a main shut-olf valve 3 operated, for example, electromagnetically. Since such valves are Well known, it is not necessary to describe the structure thereof in greater detail.

The passage of fuel to the` In order to ignite the burner l upon opening of the valve 3, use is made of the pilot burner 4 adjacent the main burner l. This pilot burner l, when ignited, produces the pilot flame 5.

Upon failure of the pilot flame 5, the valve 3 cannot be opened, thereby preventing escape of unignited fuel from burner l. How this is accomplished will be described hereinafter.

The pilot burner 4 may be supplied with fuel through a conduit 6, which is independent of the shut-off valve 3. This conduit 6, as shown most clearly in Fig. 2, may be threaded into a wall l of a frame structure 8. This structure denes a sealed chamber 8.

Control of the iiow o1' fuel from the chamber il to the pilot burner l is effected by the aid of a delicate, electromagnetically operated relay lll (Figs. 1 and 2). This relay l0 ailects a light armature ll located in the chamber 9. The relay I0 has an energizing coll l2 wound on one leg it of the relay core. The other leg 'H of the relay core forms a knife-edge bearing for the armature il. The armature ll is urged normally to the unenergized position shown in Figs. 1 and 5 by the aid of a light compression spring I4. In this position, armature ll closes a jet l5 which is mounted in the wall I6 of the member 8.

Frame t forms the main support for the control elements, andis shown in Fig. 5 as providing the walls 'l and i6 with an intermediate wall I2 between the walls. A casing 6l on one side of the frame forms a sealed space around relay I8, and assists in defining the chamber 9. A cover @l1 on the other side of walls l and I1 serves to close the chamber 8.

When the pilot llame 5 is in existence, the relay i0 is energized by aid of the thermocouple l5 that is adapted to be influenced by the flame 5.

The armature ll is then moved to the attracted position illustrated in Fig. 4, uncovering the jet l5. Thus, fuel can pass from chamber 9 through jet l5, passageway il, and conduit I8. Upon failure of the flame 5, the relay l0 is promptly (ie-energized, armature ll is returned to its unattracted position of Fig. l, and flow of fuel to the pilot burner l is interrupted.

Assuming that the system is inactive or in the position of Fig. l, both the pilot llame 5 and the main llame i9 being extinguished, the main shutoi valve t is closed. Assurance that, under such circumstances, valve 3 must remain closed is effected by aid of a circuit control device which operates to open the circuit for valve 3 when the system is in the inactive position.

For this purpose. a contact arm 2t is utilized.

and which carries a contact button 2|. This contact arm in the inactive position is out of contact with the corresponding stationary contact 22 appropriately mounted on the apparatus.

In order to permit the valve 3 to be opened, it is necessary that contactarm 28 moveto the position of Fig. 4, in which contact points 2| and 22 are closed; and it is also necessary that a control device 23, such as a'thermostat, or the like.

have its contact closed. When lboth these condil tions exist, the circuit for valve 3 is established through a step-down secondary winding 24 of a transformer 25. The primary winding 26 of this transformer is connected to a conventional source of electrical energy. The circuit for the valve 3 thus includes winding 24, contact 2|, contact 22.l

valve 3, back to coil 24. The valve 3 is thus permitted to open, provided the thermostat or other control device 23 is in a position requiring more heat.

Contact arm 28 is urged to the closing position by the aid of a movable wall or diaphragm 21. This diaphragm 21 is clamped at its edges between a lower housing member 28 and the ange 28 shown as formed integrally with the frame 8. This diaphragm forms a movable wall for a pressure chamber 38. Mechanical contact between arm and control diaphragm 21 is eiected by the arm 3| forming an extension of arm 28. The upper end of the arm 3| is bowed, and is in contact with the flat disc 32 attached to the lower side of the diaphragm 21.

The arm 3| is connected to one end 33 of a coil spring 3'6 which is pivoted on a pin 34 mounted on a bracket 35. This bracket 35 is appropriately supported on a base 36' of insulation material which serves to cover an opening in the housing 28. The other end of the spring 36 is restrained by the bracket 35. Spring 36 thus urges the arm 3| in a clockwise direction.

As shown most clearly in Figs. 2, 3, and 4, the contact arm 28 projects downwardly through an aperture in the base 36. The contact 22 is supported on a bracket 31 mounted on the lower side of the base 36'. A sheet metal cover member 38 may be used to house these contacts.

The spring 36 urges the diaphragm 21 upwardly by aid of arm 3|. The diaphragm is, however, urged downwardly by the aid of a compression spring 39. The upper end of this spring abuts the lower wall of member 8, and its lower enc' engages the disc 48 disposed on the upper side of the diaphragm 21.

The force of spring 38 and of spring 38 is such that, when chamber 38 is at atmospheric pres- `and 22 are made as shown in Fig. 4, and the valve3 can open if control device 23 more heat.

To conduct fuel under pressure to the chamber 38, use is made of a bleed hole 11 that connects the passage l1 with a recess 4| leading to the chamber 38. This bleed hole 11 is of such small size that an appreciable period must occur before the diaphragm 21 is moved by gas pressure to the active position of Fig. 4. Furthermore, the armature must be in the energized position to uncover the jet I5, since this jet controls the passage of fuel through the port |1 into bleed hole 11. Accordingly, the valve 3 is prevented from opendemands ing unless the relay lll is energized, corresponding to the existence of the pilot flame 5.

Means are provided to initiate the operation of the system when both the pilot flame 5 and the main burner |9 are extinguished. This is accomplished by providing a supplemental valve for the pilot burner 4, and which passes fuel to the pilot burner independently of the position of the armature Il.

The valve in this instance is shown as having a closure 42 cooperating with a seat formed at the upper edge of a recessv 43 that intersects the port I1. This closure is carried by a stem 44. When the valve stem 44 is lifted, for example, as shown in Fig. 3, fuel can pass from the chamber 9 downwardly past the closure member 42 and to the port |1 and conduit |8 and pilot burner` 4 As shown most clearly in Figs. 2, 3. and 4, a port 45 extends from the chamber 9 to the recess 43 to eifect this communication.

Normally, the valve closure 42 is urged t'o closed position by aid of the compression spring 46 which engages the top of the closure member, and which is held in place by hollow screw 41 disposed in the top of frame 8. f

'Ihe valve stem 44 is adapted to be lifted manually by the aid of a push button 48. This push button 48 is shown as slidably mounted in a boss 49 depending from the casing member 28. The push button carries a headed stem 58. A compression spring 5| urges the push button 48 toA the inactive position of Fig. 4, in which the head of stem 58 is urged into contact with the bottom of the ca sng 28.

When it is desired to open the pilot valve closure 42, the push button is urged upwardly to apply a force against diaphragm 21 thereby ensuring opening oi' the main valve circuit contacts 2| and 22. Continued movement of the diaphragm 21, by further movement of the push button 48, serves to compress the spring 39 to the position shown in Fig. 3 and ultimately to lift the stem 44. A

This upward movement of the-push button 48 thus ensures de-energization of the electrical circuit for operating the valve 3. It will also establish contact between a contact 52, carried on the arm 28, and a stationary contact 53. When these contacts are closed, as shown in Fig. 3, an Aelectric igniter 54, such as a spark device, is energized through a step-down transformer 55. This step-down transformer has a primary winding 56. The circuit for this winding is closed through the secondary winding 24 by the contacts 52 and 53. Y

Upward movement of the diaphragm 21 under the influence of push button 48 is such that the igniter circuit is rst established before stem 44 is raised. In order to accomplish this result. the diaphragm 21 carries a hollow sleeve 51 which is slidably guided in the recess 4|. sleeve has one or more radialapertures 58 near its lower end to maintain communication between the recess 4| and the chamber 38.

The sleeve 51 has a threaded extension 58 which passes through the discs 48, 32, as well as the diaphragm 21. By the aid of nut 68 engaging this extension, these parts are clamped together. The push button 48, in its upward travel, contacts the extension 59.

Sleeve 51 'serves to guide the movement of the' diaphragm 21. Furthermore, the bottom surface 6| of the sleeve ultimately contacts the bottom of the stem 44 to open the pilot burner valve 42.

When the push button 48 is urged upwardly,

This lhOllOW 5 the igniter contacts 52 and 53 are irst established; then, later on, the surface 6I lifts the stem 44 to p'ass gas to the pilot burner 4. In this way, it is assured that the igniter will be in operation before passage of fuel to the burner 4. f course, at the same time, it is assured. that the valve 3 is prevented from opening by separation of contacts 2I and 22.

In order to start the system from inactive position, the push bottom 48 is urged upwardly to the position of Fig. 3, the pilot 4 is lighted; and button 48 is held until the relay I0 is energized. Jet I5 is then uncovered and gas may now pass to the port I1 independently of the closure member 42. Withdrawal of the button 48 then permits the diaphragm 21 slowly to recede to the operative position of Fig. 4. This delay is due to the restricted bleed hole 11 through which the fuel must pass in order to depress the diaphragm 21. In the operative position of Fig. 4, the contacts 2| and 22, controlling energization of valve 3, are established.

A ground connection 63 may be provided for the lgniter circuit and for the metal parts of the apparatus.

Relay I0 may be supported appropriately on a wall of the casing 64, as by the aid of a supporting bracket 65 encompassing the upper pole piece 66 of the relay.

The jet I5 is shown in this instance as threaded appropriately into the wall I6 of frame 8. A packing 61 and a gland nut 68, threaded on the jet member I5, serve to ensure a seal around the jet member. Furthermore. the compression spring I4 is anchored at its left-hand end on a frame member 69 having an opening 10 through which the armature II can extend. This armature has a shoulder which engages the top of frame member 69 to place the armature in operative position. This frame member 69 can be appropriately supported on the lower leg 1I of the core I3.

The operation of the system is clear from the foregoing. In the event of pilot flame failure, the relay I0 is de-energized, armature II covers the jet I5, and the pressure in chamber 30 is reduced by escape of gas through the apertures 58, recess (il, bleed aperture 11, port I1, and conduit is. The apparatus then returns to the inactive position of Fig. 2, providing a complete shut-oil' for the pilot burner 4, as well as for the main burner i. Thereafter, initiation of the operation of the system can be performed, as hereinbefore set forth, by operation of push button 48.

Should the gas pressure be greatly reduced, which may lead to dangerous conditions, the system is returned to the inactive, fully shut-off position of Figs. 1 and 2. This occurs because the pressure in chamber 30 would be insuillcient to hold contacts 2l and 22 in engagement, and the fuel can pass from chamber 9 through hole 10, jet I5, port i1 and conduit i8 out through the pilot burner 4. Upon shutting oi the jet I5 by the armature Il, any fuel in the chamber 30 can escape through the apertures 58, recess 4I, bleed apertures 11, port I1, and conduit I8.

The inventor claims:

l. In a gas yburner control system: a main burner; a pilot burner; a, valve for the pilot burner; an electrically operated shut-olf valve for the main burner and normally urged to closed position; means including relatively movable contacts controlling said shut-off valve; means biasing the relative position of the contacts so that said controlling means eiects closing of said shut-ofi valve; means forming a pressure chamber having a movable wall connected to one of the contacts; means supplying fuel to the chamber, the application of the fuel urging said movable wall in one direction to cause relative movement of the said contacts in a direction opposed by sai-d biasing means to eifect opening of said shut-oil.' valve; means for moving said wall in the opposite direction va member operated by the opposite movement of said wall -for opening said pilot burner valve; and means responsive to the existence of a flame at said pilot burner for supplying fuel to said pilot burner independently of said pilot burner valve.

2. In a gas Iburner control system: a pilot burner; a valve for the 'pilot burner; a main burner; an electrically operated shut-off valve for the main burner and normally urged to closed position; means forming a pressure chamber having a movable wall; means supplying fuel to the chamber, the application of the fuel urging said movable wall in one direction; means including a circuit controller operated by movement of the wall in said one direction to effect operation of the shut-off valve to open position; means for moving the movable wall in the other direction; a member operated by the movement of said wall in said other direction for opening said pilot burner valve; and means responsive to the existence of a pilot flame at said pilot burner for supplying fuel to said pilot burner independently of said pilot burner valve.

3. In a gas burner control system: a main burner; a pilot burner; a Valve for the pilot burner; a shut-off valve for the main burner and normally urged to closed position; means forming a pressure chamber having a movable Wall; means including passage instrumentalities and responsive to the existence of a pilot flame at the pilot burner controlling flow of fuel through said passage instrumentalities both to the chamber and the pilot burner and independently of the pilot burner Valve, said controlling means opening said passage instrumentalities only while the pilot iiame is in existence, and said instrumentalities including a f.

restricted portion through which the gas must pass into and out of the chamber; means for actuating said shut-oif valve to open position, said actuating means including means responsive to movement of the wall in one direction under the influence of gas pressure in the chamber.; and means for moving the wall in the other direction to open the pilot burner valve.

4. In a gas burner control system: a main burner; a 'pilot burner; a valve for the pilot burner; an electrically operated shut-off valve for the main burner and normally urged to closed position; means forming a pressure chamber having a movable wall; means including passage instrumentalities and responsive to the existence of a pilot flame at the pilot burner controlling flow of fuel through said passage instrumentalities both to the chamber and the pilot burner and independently of the pilot burner, said controlling means opening said passing instrumentalities only while the pilot ame is in existence, and sai-d instrumentalities including a restricted portion through which the gas must pass into and out of the chamber; means for actuating said shut-off valve to open position, said actuating means including a circuit having a controller therein responsive to movement of the wall in one direction under the influence of gas pressure in the chamber; and means for manually moving the wall in the other direction to open the pilot burner valve.

aandeel 5. In a gas burner control system: a. main burner; a pilot burner; a valve for the pilot burner; a shut-off valve for the main burner .and normally urged to closed position; means forming a pressure chamber having a movable wall; means including passage instrumentalities and responsive to the existence of a pilot llame at the pilot burner controlling ilow of fuel both to the chamber and the pilot burner and independently of the pilot burner valve, said controlling means opening said passage instrumentalities only while the pilot ilame is in existence, and said instrumentalities including a restricted portion through which the gas must pass into and out of the chamber; means for actuating said shut-oil valve to open position, said actuating means including means responsive to movement of the wall in one direction under the inuence of gas pressure in the chamber; means for moving the wall in the other direction to open the pilot burner valve; and means normally biasing said Wall to a position corresponding to closed position of both the pilot burner valve and the shut-ofi valve.

6. In a gas burner control system: a main burner; a pilot burner; a valve for the pilot burner; an electrically operated shut-off valve for the main burner and normally urged to closed position; means forming a pressure chamber having a movable wall; means including passage instrumentalities and responsive to the existence. of a pilot name at the pilot burner controlling ilow of fuel both to the chamber and the pilot burner and independently of the pilot burner. said controlling means opening said passage instrumentalities only while the pilot flame is in existence, and said passage instrumentalities including a restricted portion through which the gas must pass into and out of the chamber; means for actuating said shut-ofi' valve to open position, said actuating means including a cir-M cuit having a controller therein responsive to movement of the wall in one directionunder the influence of gas pressurein the chamber; means -i'or manually moving the wall in the other direc- 'tion to open the pilot burner valve; and .means normally biasing said wall to a position corre-v sponding to closed position of both the pilot burner valve and the shut-ofi' valve.

'1. In a gas burner control system: a main burner; a pilot burner; a valve for the pilot burner; an electrically operated shut-oil valve for the main burner and normally urged to closed position; contacts controlling said shut-oil valve; means biasing the relative position of the contacts so that said controlling means effects closing of said shut-oil valve; means forming a pressure chamber having a movable wall connected to one of the contacts; means supplying fuel to the chamber, the application of the fuel urging said movablewall in one direction to cause relative movement of .the said contacts in a direction opposed by said biasing means to .eiIect opening of said shut-off valve; means for moving said wall in the opposite direction; a member operated by the opposite movement of said wall for opening said pilot burner valve; means responsive to the existence of a flame at said pilot burner for supplying fuel to said pilot burner independently of said pilot burner valve; an igniter for the pilot burner; and a circuit controller for the igniter operated in response to movement of the wall in said opposite direction.

8. In a gas burner control system: a pilot means including relatively movable.

burner; a valve for the pilot lburner; a main burner; an electrically operated shut-off valve for the main burner and normally urged to closed position; means forming a pressure chamber having a. movable wall; means supplying fuel to the chamber, the application of the fuel urging said movable wall in one direction; means including a circuit controller operated by movement of the wall in said one direction to efiect operation of the shut-oft valve to open position; means for moving' the movable wall in the other direction; a member operated by the movement of said wall in said other direction for opening said pilot burner valve; means responsive to the existence of a. pilot flame at said pilot burner for supplying fuel to said pilot burner independently of said pilot burner valve; an electrically enersized igniter for the pilot burner; and a circuit controller for the igniter operated in response to movement of the wall in said other direction.

9. In a gas burner control system: a main burner; a pilot burner; a valve for the pilot burner; a shut-01T valve for the main burner and normally urged to closed position; means forming a pressure chamber having a movable wall;l

means including passage instrumentalities and responsive to the existence of a pilot flame at the pilot burner controlling ow of fuel throughsaid passage instrumentalities both' to the chamber and the pilot burner and independently of the pilot burner valve, said controlling means opening said passage instrumentalities only while the pilot flame is in existence, vand said instrumentalities including a restricted portion through which the gas must pass into and out of the chamber; means for actuating said shut-oil' valve to open position, said actuating means including means responsive to movement of the wall in one direction under the influence of gas pressure in the chamber; means for moving the wall in the other direction to open the pilot burner valve; an electrically energized igniter for the pilot burner; and a circuit controller for the igniter operated in response to movement of the wall in the direction to open the pilot burner valve. 10. In a gas burner control system: a main burner; a pilot burner; a valve for the pilot burner; an electrically operated shut-off valve for the main burner and normally urged to closed position; means forming a pressure chamber having a movable wall; means including passage instrumentalities and responsive to the existence of a pilot flame at the pilot burner ,controlling flow of fuel through said passage instrumentalities both to the chamber and the pilot burner and independentlyof the pilot burner, said controlling means opening said instrumentalities only while the pilot flame is in existence, and said instrumentalities including a restricted portion through which the gas must pass into and out of the chamber; means f-or effecting energization of said shut-oi valve to open position, said energization means including a circuit having a controller therein responsive to movement of the wall in one direction under the influence of gas pressure in the chamber; means for manually moving the wall in the other direction to open the pilot burner valve; an. electrically energized igniter for the pilot burner; and a circuit controller for the igniter operated in response to the movement of the wall in the direction to open the pilot burner valve.

11. In a gas burner control system: a main burner; a pilot burner; a valve for the pilot burner; a shut-ofi valve for the main burner and normally urged to closed position; means forming a pressure chamber having a movable wall; means including passage instrumentalities and responsive to the existence of. a pilot ilame at the pilot burner controlling flow of fuel through said passage instrumentalities both to the chamber and the pilot burner and independently of the pilot burner valve, said controlling means opening said passage instrumentalities only while the pilot flame is in existence, and said instrumentalities including a, restricted portion through which the gas must pass into and out of the chamber; means for actuating said shut-off valve to open position, said actuating means including means responsive to movement of the wall in one direction under the influence of gas pressure in the chamber; means for moving the wall in the other direction to open the pilot burner valve; an electrically energized igniter for the pilot burner; a circuit controller for the gniter operated in response to movement of the wall in the direction to open the pilot lburner valve; and meansA normally biasing said wall to a position in which both valves are closed and the igniter is inactive.

12. In a gas burner control system: a main burner; a pilot burner; a valve for the pilot burner; an electrically operated shut-off valve for the main burner and normally urged to closed position; means forming a pressure chamber having a movable wall; means including passage instrumentalities and responsive to the existence of a pilot ame at the pilot burner controlling flow of fuel through said passage instrumentalities both to the chamber and the pilot burner and independently f the pilot burner, said controlling means opening said passage instrumentalities only while the pilot name is in existence.

and said instrumentalities including a restricted portion through which the gas must pass into and out of the chamber; means for effecting energization of the shut-off valve to open position, said energization means including a. circuit having a controller therein responsive to movement of the wall in one direction under the influence of gas pressure in the chamber; means for manually moving the wall in the other direction to open the pilot burner valve; an electrically energized igniter for the pilot burner; a circuit controller for the igniter operated in response to the movement of the wall in the direction to open the pilot burner valve; and means normally biasing said wall to a position in which both valves are closed and the igniter is inactive.

13. In a gas burner control system: means forming a fluid pressure chamber having a movable wall; a' pilot burner; a main burner; a shutoif valve for the main burner; a valve for the pilot burner having an inlet and an outlet; means providing a continuously open passageway between the chamber and the pilot burner; means responsive to the existence of a pilot flame for controlling the flow of fuel to said outlet and said passageway to operate the wall and to supply fuel to the pilot burner; means for passing fuel to the pilot burner independently of said pilot fiame responsive means; and means for closing the shut-off valve unless there is a predetermined pressure in the chamber.

14. In a gas burner control system: means forming a fluid pressure chamber having a movable wall; a pilot burner; a main burner; a shutoff valve for the main burner; means providing a continuously open passageway between the chamber and the pilot burner; means responsive to the existence of a pilot flame for passing fuel to said passageway to operate the wall and to supply fuel to the pilot burner; means for closing the shut-off valve unless there is a predetermined pressure in the chamber; a manually operable means for urging the movable wall in a direction opposite to that in which it is urged by the fuel pressure supplementary normally cled valve means for supplying fuel to said pilot burner; and a member operated by the opposite movement of said wall for openingsaid supplementary valve means.

WILLIAM A. RAY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Ray Dec. 4, 1945 

